53--CLEVIS,ROD END
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Weapons Support, part of the Defense Logistics Agency, is soliciting for hardware classified under Federal Supply Class 53 — specifically clevis rod ends. These are mechanical linkage components used to connect rods or cables in assemblies, commonly found in hydraulic systems, control linkages, and mechanical actuators across military platforms.
Rod end bearings and clevis assemblies are standard hardware in military maintenance and supply chains, supporting everything from ground vehicles to weapons systems and aircraft. The Defense Logistics Agency manages these items as part of its mission to supply spare parts and consumables to military services worldwide.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) – DLA Land Columbus, DLA Weapons Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7L127T1945 |
| NAICS | 332510 – Hardware Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Place of performance | (Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses under the total small business set-aside program. To qualify, your firm must:
- Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 332510 (Hardware Manufacturing), typically 1,000 employees
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
- Have an active small business certification on file
- Be capable of delivering clevis rod ends meeting DLA's technical and quality requirements
Manufacturers and distributors of mechanical hardware, linkage components, or bearing assemblies should evaluate whether their existing product lines or sourcing capabilities align with DLA's specifications for this item.
How to put together a competitive bid
Verify your small business status. Confirm your SAM.gov profile reflects current small business size standards for NAICS 332510. DLA awards frequently get protested on size status issues.
Obtain the complete technical data. The formatted FSC 53 description is generic. The solicitation will specify material requirements, dimensional tolerances, thread specifications, finish requirements (corrosion resistance, cadmium plating restrictions under RoHS), and any applicable military specifications or standards.
Assess your supply chain for traceability. DLA typically requires full lot traceability, material certifications, and conformance to mil-spec standards. If you're a distributor, confirm your manufacturer can provide certified test reports and traceability documentation.
Price strategically for the DLA model. DLA awards are often made against indefinite-delivery contracts with fixed pricing. Factor in packaging and shipping to DLA depots, which may include military packaging requirements per MIL-STD-2073. Anticipate demand volatility — hardware items can see sporadic but urgent call-ups.
Review past procurement history. Search SAM.gov's contract data or the FPDS for historical pricing on similar NSNs under SPE7 solo sourced or competed awards to benchmark your proposal.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L127T1945. The complete notice will contain the detailed specification, packaging requirements, delivery schedule, and exact clause flowdowns. Note the response deadline of November 2, 2026 — DLA solicitation windows are typically brief, and late proposals are not accepted. Submit questions through the SAM.gov messaging function before the deadline if any requirements are unclear.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →